In late 1943, Anna Kipper, head of the press agency Agence France-Press in Columbia’s capital Bogotá, was making preparations for a major reception. She turned to her neighbours, the German writers Erich Arendt and his wife Katja, for help. Katja Hayek-Arendt had brought recipes for pralines with her from Germany. For the reception she made cream truffles and chocolate-coated almond slivers which proved highly popular with the guests. The idea of forming her own chocolate and praline company arose, and it was named for the Spanish form of Katja’s name: Chocolates Catherine. The Arendts had thus discovered a way to earn a living in Columbian exile (1942-50). Anna Kipper recommended the company to French and Jewish families, who became the first customers. Over time the Arendts bought the ingredients and appliances for cooking chocolate and making marzipan. The business was highly successful, and the credit used to set it up was paid back. Katja headed up production and hired employees.

This gave writer Erich Arendt time to travel, to write and to pursue political activities. He was also a co-owner of the confectionary operation. As the business had no retail outlet he became a travelling salesman. He recalled: “Over time I became an excellent seller, because I enjoyed talking to people. They had no idea of politics or of Europe, and I talked to them about political and ideological problems, but rarely artistic problems.” (The Fragmented Dream, p. 123).